Mercury's super sprinter Gord Fraser has taken the second stage of the inaugural Trans-Canada Tour, with a dominant performance that gave him time to look over his shoulder and put his arms up. Robbie Ventura of the arch-rival Saturn squad was second.

The 174 kilometre stage from Quebec City to Trois Rivieres began very slowly, with the riders cruising along at an average of only 38 kilometres per hour for the first 50 kilometres. A few small breakaways occurred over the next 30 kilometres, but it wasn't until the 80 kilometre mark that a serious breakaway formed. Canadian national champion Czeslaw Lukaszewicz (Wustenrot-ZVVZ), John Peters (Mercury), Lionel Lorgeou (Big Mat Auber93) and Rogez Beuchat (Post Swiss) broke free at this point, and stayed away for the next 70 kilometres (Lorgeou flatted, but was replaced by David McKenzie of Linda McCartney).

While the break did managed to maintain a one minute to one and a half minute advantage on the field, they could not extend it further, due to the vigilance of race leader Lars Michaelsen's Francaise de Jeux team. At the 20 kilometres to go mark the break was reeled in, and the sprinters began to set up for the finish. Francaise de Jeux, Kelme and Mercury were constantly at the front, until the last 5 kilometres, when the Euros back off a bit. Saturn sent Bart Bowen off at this point, but he was quickly brought back.

In the final 500 metres, Saturn was very evident at the front as they tried to set up Ventura, but Fraser was the man today, as he easily came around Ventura to take the stage. After the stage, Fraser said "I was already certain of victory as we began the sprint. I felt very good." Saturn's Brian Walton could only agree "What can I say, he is faster - today..."

Report From Houffalize

Ritchey-Yahoo! pro Chrissy Redden just called in her race report for the World Cup final today - thanks Chrissy! She finished 14th today, but maintained her 8th place overall position for the series.

She was a little disappointed with her result today: "My head was good, I was feeling good. I was hoping to be on the podium one more time this year" (there is still the Worlds...). She also said that a number of riders were having "not good days", including Mary Grigson, Alison Dunlap, Alison Sydor and "almost everybody, except Ruthie Matthes, who did the Mercury Tour."

Chrissy said that the course was in very good shape - dry, fast and very tough. The main climb was steep and hard to pass on, slowing down riders at times. Of her own race, Chrissy said that she started out well, but lost contact with the front group on the second lap, sliding back as low as 16th or 17th place in the third lap, before pushing back into 14th in the final lap.

She also said that Margarita Fullana has to now be considered a favourite for the World Championships in two weeks, given the form that she has been displaying.